Spencer Marvin Nygaard, 79, of Slinger, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013. He was born Nov. 15, 1933, in Grygla, Minn. to Carl and Mabel (nee Strom) Nygaard. He was baptized as a child of God on Dec. 13, 1933, at St. Petri Congregation in Grygla, Minn. Spencer was united in marriage to Sharon Gladys Voliva on Dec. 19, 1959, at Zion Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio.

Spencer spent his life sharing God’s word as an Army chaplain and as a pastor in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The last military post he served was Fort Sheridan, Ill., retiring in October 1986. Spencer retired from the active ministry in 1995 from Trinity Lutheran Church in Jackson, Mich., his fourth congregation. He enjoyed writing, music, playing the saxophone (he played for the troops in Vietnam), and wood-working. He was known for his great sense of humor. Spencer will be dearly missed.

Spencer is survived by his beloved wife Sharon, of 53 years; two daughters, Karen (Lincoln) Beckner of Cincinnati and Karoline (Jeffrey) Rehm of Slinger; six cherished grandchildren, Heather Rehm, Matthew (Erica) Rehm, Kirsten (Kyle) Roessler; Lincoln Jr., Zachary, and Kaelin Beckner; three great-grandchildren, Ashton and Ariana Roessler, and Lyla Rehm; his two sisters, Twila Horn and Kathleen Welshons; and sisters in-law, Mildred and Martha Nygaard. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, dear relatives and long-time, faithful friends.

Spencer is preceded in death by his parents, sister Myrtle Judith Cherrington, and brothers Kermit and Carl Nygaard Jr.

Funeral services, including military honors, for Spencer will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at Divine Savior Lutheran Church Hartford, with the Rev. Douglas Stowe officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends on Sunday from 1:30-3 p.m. at church.

Interment at Fort Sheridan Cemetery, Fort Sheridan, Ill. will take place at 1 p.m. on Monday Jan. 7, 2013.

Memorials to Concordia Theological Seminary St. Louis or to the Lutheran Hour Ministries are appreciated.

The Nygaard family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to their family and friends for their support, love and prayers during the past few years of Spencer’s life, and to God for Spencer’s life.

The Shimon Funeral Home is serving the family.

Online condolences can be found at www.shimonfuneralhome.com.